The following list shows days of commemoration on which the flying of the Australian National Flag and, where appropriate, other flags, is particularly encouraged. Unless noted otherwise, these days are celebrated nationally.
Special days for flying flags
1 January
Anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia
26 January
Australia Day
13 February
Anniversary of the Apology to Members of the Stolen Generations
March, second Monday
Commonwealth Day
21 March
Harmony Day
Commenced in 1999 and celebrates Australia’s success as a diverse society united as one family by a common set of values.
25 April
Anzac Day
Flags are flown at half-mast until noon then at the peak until the usual time for closure of business.
9 May
Anniversary of the inauguration of Canberra as the seat of government
Australian Capital Territory only.
27 May to 3 June
National Reconciliation Week
In recognition of 27 May as the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which successfully removed from the Constitution clauses that discriminated against Indigenous Australians and 3 June as the anniversary of the High Court decision in the Eddie Mabo land rights case of 1992.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag on Australian Government buildings and establishments.
If there is only one flagpole available, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should not replace the Australian National Flag. If there are two flagpoles available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to determine which flag should be flown with the Australian National Flag.
June, second Monday
Queen’s Birthday
Except in Queensland and Western Australia, where it is observed later in September or October.
July, nominated week
NAIDOC Week
Originally an acronym for National Aboriginal and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee, the acronym has since become the name of the week – NAIDOC Week is held every year to celebrate and promote a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag on Australian Government buildings and establishments.
If there is only one flagpole available, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should not replace the Australian National Flag. If there are two flagpoles available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to determine which flag should be flown with the Australian National Flag.
3 September
Australia National Flag Day
Each year, as well as being Australia National Flag Day, is also Merchant Navy Day. Organisations and individuals commemorating Merchant Navy Day can choose to fly the Australian Red Ensign. The Australian Red Ensign is an official flag of Australia and is proclaimed under the Flags Act 1953.
If there are two flagpoles available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to fly two flags the Australian National Flag the Australian Red Ensign.
17 September
Citizenship Day
First introduced in 2001 and is an opportunity for all Australians to take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian.
24 October
United Nations Day
If there are two or more flagpoles of equal height available, the United Nations Flag should be flown together with the Australian National Flag all day. The Australian National Flag should be flown in the pre-eminent position with the United Nations Flag on the second flagpole for the day. The United Nations Flag should be of the same size as the Australian National Flag.